According to a 2010 ABC News/Washington Post poll, only 37% of Americans have a favorable opinion of Islam–the lowest favorability rating since 2001. Relentless Islamophobic fear-mongering by a select group of U.S. political pundits, bloggers and think tanks is at least partially responsible for Americans’ negative view of the religion and those who practice it. Their alarmist commentary has far-reaching consequences–Anders Breivik, the Christian Norwegian who went on a bloody killing spree in July to prevent the “ongoing Islamic Colonization of Europe” has cited at length claims by some of these groups and individuals as supporting evidence for his hateful, violent theories.

A new, must-read report by the Center for American Progress titled “Fear, Inc.: The Roots of Islamophobia in America,” exposes the Islam-bashing network in America which has considerable reach in the U.S. news media and has an audience among some well-known politicians such as Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann.

The report includes detailed information about the more than $42 million that has flowed from seven key foundations to the network over 10 years, as well as the key “misinformation experts” who generate the false facts and materials which are then regurgitated by the media and certain politicians and grass-root groups.

Islamophobic misinformation is not only harmful for Muslims inside the U.S. and abroad who continue to be persecuted and isolated for crimes committed in the name of Islam even as the vast majority of Muslims denounce them. If accepted unchallenged, these claims can also lead to misguided and harmful U.S. domestic and foreign policy decisions which can further exacerbate national security threats.

Click here to read the report in full. Jim’s IPS article on the report can be found here.

3 Responses to Center for American Progress Exposes the Islamophobia Network in America

Why should I have a favorable opinion of Islam? It’s another bogus belief system that seeks to proselytize and convert people. And it tends to damn those who resist conversion. I don’t have a favorable opinion of Christianity, but I guess you only care how I feel about Islam. And why is that?

Actually, you’re mistaken about Islam proselytizing and how it feels about “those who resist conversion.” The Islamic tradition would have Muslims stand as examples of their faith and to draw conversions that way. The Quran repeatedly states, “let there be no coercion in religion.”

While Muslims do feel encouraged to explain the faith, this is different from knocking on your door, which Muslims don’t do to convert. However, this report exposes a multi-million dollar propaganda program that is supported by WaPo, NYT and many other “liberal” media outlets. That’s why Jon, that’s why.

I should add that the Islamophobia network is used to gin up support for the Likudnik policies of Israel, US military intervention in the Arab/Muslim world, and more wasteful and stifling security policies here at home. I know you’re not a fan of these beneficiaries, so, again, I’m baffled by your inability to link these ideas.